I may not have as many coins as some people here for a very simple reason: "do not invest more than you can afford to loose". It is much easier to get richer if you are rich already. However, I do have a small stash, mostly mined long ago, in 2011-2013. I never had enough money to obtain a comparable amount after the 2017 bullrun. Buying was not an option.
Buying is always an option. Although coming from 2011, I'd understand your reluctance. But you can always buy.
Mind if I ask, if you mined a solo block in 2011 or were you already in a mining pool then?